The Truth about Truffle Oil

When we first opened Eataly in 2007, we swore to never sell truffle oil. Today, a curated line of the culinary gold can now be found on our shelves.

Why the change of heart? Because we finally found a truffle oil made with real truffles!

Yes, it's true. The majority of truffle oil isn’t actually made with truffles. The main ingredient is often a chemical designed in a laboratory to mimic the aroma of truffles (2,4-dithiapentane, in case a friend asks to share “truffle” fries later). The result is a flat, overly pungent oil that has as much in common with truffles as gasoline.

And yet — we now sell truffle oil. Let us explain.

At Eataly, we have always loved truffles, that earthy and aromatic ingredient known in Italy as “a fairy apple,” “a diamond of the kitchen,” and “the gem of poor lands.” During fresh truffle season, we receive our precious shipment from Urbani Tartufi, an esteemed Italian distributor. Every year, Urbani sources fresh truffles from regional truffle hunters in Italy, who forage the wild tubers in the woods following age-old traditions.

At this point, chefs and home cooks alike bustle to get their hands on a truffle. The shavings add robust aromas and delicate flavors to our favorite dishes, from pasta and risotto to meat and fish. As soon as we hit peak season at Eataly, we start incorporating the prized ingredient into our menus and markets across the world. When the season ends, we mourn.

So, when we heard that Urbani had introduced a line of truffle oils, we were intrigued.

Over several years, Urbani developed a patented method to infuse the finest extra virgin olive oil with genuine truffles. In fact, the ingredients for its white truffle olive oil are simply: extra virgin olive oil, white truffles aroma (Tuber magnatum pico), and white truffle. Not a drop of 2,4-dithiapentane.

The result is a quality truffle oil with the authentic aromas and deep flavors of a real truffle — because that is the primary ingredient.

So go forth! Give any dish an unforgettable final touch with just a few drops of the magical oil. Just remember to hold out for the real stuff.